If Sai Baba was the Supreme Brahman and beyond Maya, why did he engage in the worldly practice of listening to scriptures before his passing?

This apparent contradiction is addressed directly in Chapter 43. While it is true that Baba was constantly alert in his true form, contemplating 'Allah Malik,' and free from the delusion of Maya, his actions served a specific purpose. Saints incarnate for the welfare and salvation of their devotees and to guide the people. By having the Ramavijaya read, Baba was not acting for himself but was performing the 'task of the avatar.' He followed the established path to show devotees how to achieve a happy death with a mind fixed on God. Even though he had no attachment to his physical body, he upheld these traditions to reinforce the path of righteous conduct for others.